What does it take to keep elderly parents content? Dubai resident Yash Bhayani found out when his mother returned home after spending time with a friend while window-shopping in Bur Dubai. “When my mother and her friend came back, we noticed a new level of happiness on her face, even though they hadn’t spent any money shopping. We discovered the source of her joy – conversation, engagement, and quality time with like-minded people,” says Yash.
In a world moving at a rapid pace, where the elderly often feel isolated from social interactions, Yash Bhayani and his wife Sonam decided to make a change through their social enterprise, 2nd Innings. This Dubai-based venture is revolutionizing how the elderly experience retirement by promoting social connections, active lifestyles, and building a community that feels like a second home.
Elderly individuals who visit their families in this region often feel lonely, as they lack people to talk to or spend quality time with. “They frequently express feelings of isolation and disconnection due to limited communication and social engagement. They report few opportunities to connect with others, as their adult children work full-time, neighbors are uncommunicative, and they often lack friends,” says Sonam. “This leads to a sense of loneliness and dissatisfaction with their daily lives, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to foster social interaction and enhance their quality of life.”
Yash acknowledges a gap between the needs of elderly citizens and the available support in the market. “The problem is even more pronounced in multicultural environments and urban living, leading to issues like depression, homesickness, mood swings, and hypertension,” he says. “We first noticed this issue when our parents visited the country. Despite taking them out every weekend, they still felt lonely during the week.”
Yash, with over a decade of corporate experience in finance and being a chartered accountant, brings financial acumen and dedication to the venture. “Our mission was straightforward: create a space where they can interact, stay active, and feel connected,” he says. His focus on financial stability and operational efficiency ensures that 2nd Innings remains affordable and accessible to a growing number of seniors. “Our vision is to make this community approachable to a larger audience. We want seniors across the globe to have access to such environments where they feel engaged and valued,” he adds.
Sonam, the CEO of 2nd Innings, has been a passionate advocate for social impact since 2010. With a background in business administration and accounting, she shifted her career to focus on improving the lives of the elderly. “I’ve always been passionate about care and support, and I saw how our parents, despite all the modern conveniences, were missing out on something as simple as human connection,” she shares. Her primary goal is to combat sedentary lifestyles often adopted by the elderly. “Our members come here not just for fitness or games, but for the joy of spending time with like-minded individuals. They now have a reason to step out and enjoy their day, which they previously didn’t,” she elaborates.
Under Sonam’s leadership, 2nd Innings has grown from just two members to a vibrant community of 12 in just three months. Sonam is proud of the diversity within the community, with members from India, Pakistan, and Kazakhstan all coming together. “It’s amazing to see how language barriers don’t matter here. People come for the sense of belonging, and that’s exactly what we’re providing.”
Based in Dubai Silicon Oasis, 2nd Innings has members from various parts of the emirate and plans to establish new centers in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah within the next 12 months. The current center offers a unique blend of amenities, including fitness sessions, games, a large theater screen for entertainment, fresh fruits and juices, and even a transportation service that ensures elderly members can commute without any hassle. “Our community isn’t just about physical fitness, but emotional well-being as well,” says Sonam. “We’re creating a space where elderly people can feel special, active, and engaged, whether through games, group activities, or just spending quality time with others.”
Members of 2nd Innings have expressed their appreciation for the community’s impact on their lives. As UAE resident Neha Mohan shared, “My parents went to 2nd Innings for a morning session. They thoroughly enjoyed the day and were all praises for the organizers.” Another member, Rayan Malik, noted how it has been a game changer for her mother with all the fun and games. Similarly, members like Aliya Zhumayeva and Gurleen Kaur, who have their elderly visiting 2nd Innings, agreed that this elder care facility is becoming a great platform for making them feel connected and interactive.
With 2nd Innings, Yash and Sonam are not only addressing the growing issue of elderly isolation but are also redefining what it means to age with dignity, purpose, and connection. As 2nd Innings continues to grow, the duo is committed to expanding their community’s reach and incorporating new technologies to further enrich the experience of their members. “We envision a future where every elderly person can be part of a socially connected and healthy environment,” says Sonam. With their passion, vision, and commitment to making a difference, the future of 2nd Innings is bright and impactful.
